The Quarry Fire in Deer Creek Canyon started on July 31 and reached 100% containment on Aug. 7. We would like to thank all of the amazing firefighters, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, several Jefferson County departments and divisions, volunteers, nonprofits, and the Jeffco community for jumping in to help those affected by the fire. The response was incredible and proved just how great a community Jefferson County is.

Quarry Fire Resources and Information:

• Quarry Fire webpage
• Resources for residents returning to their homes
• Tip line: For information about the cause of the Quarry Fire 303-271-5612
• Sign up to receive emergency alerts via LookoutAlert

The virtual town hall originally scheduled for July 31 was postponed due to the Quarry Fire. The town hall has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. Jefferson County Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr, and Tracy Kraft-Tharp will be joined by County Manager Joe Kerby and county subject-matter experts to provide updates and answer questions on wildfire preparedness, the county budget, and more.

After months of extensive community outreach and research, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to place a question on the ballot. The commissioners believe the voters of Jefferson County should have the opportunity to decide if the county can retain additional revenue to address budget shortfalls and a growing backlog of infrastructure needs.

Deer Creek Canyon Park, Rattlesnake Gulch, and Black Bear trails are closed until further notice following the Quarry Fire. The fire has been 100% contained, but crews will continue to monitor and patrol the area for any new activity or outbreaks. Damage assessment, restoration, and maintenance of the park will be ongoing. There is currently no timeframe for completion.

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is thrilled to announce that the Board of Trustees has approved a lease agreement for a new location for the Conifer Library, to be located at 27122 Main St. in Conifer. Be sure to check the Conifer Library Opportunity project page for updates in the coming months.

This trail project turned a steep and highly eroded section into a unique and beautiful trail, which includes more than 350 slabs of cottonwood limestone. Revegetation and weed management of the corridor will be an ongoing project tackled by Jeffco Open Space's Trails and Natural Resources teams. We hope everyone gets the chance to check it out. It's a nice, short hike with a spectacular view!

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) has completed major milestones in the Northwest Jeffco Library project. In July, the Arvada City Council approved the land rezoning and JCPL officially closed on the land purchase for this property. Visit the Northwest Jeffco Library project page to follow project updates, sign up for project emails, and more.

If you want to find out if your property is in the SFHA, contact Jefferson County Planning and Zoning at 303-271-8700. County staff are available to answer your questions and can meet residents on-site to provide assistance on flooding or drainage issues. Learn about floodplain management in Jefferson County.

Now is the time to confirm that the address in your voter file is current. Ballots are being prepared for mailing, and all active, registered voters will receive their ballot by mail in less than two months. Check or update your voter information by visiting GoVoteColorado.gov and "Find My Registration". For questions about your registration or situation, visit VoteJeffcoCO.gov.

Looking for a job? No matter where you live in the Denver metro area, you can select a job fair location that’s most convenient for you. Connect with top employers and explore job opportunities virtually on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or attend in-person events on Wednesday, Sept. 25. 

Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) Statewide Active Transportation Plan will include goals, policy recommendations, interagency collaboration, and a comprehensive process for evaluating and prioritizing projects. Help improve safety, equity, mobility, connectivity, and sustainability by completing the survey.

After experiencing a wildfire, it can be hard to imagine facing another natural disaster. Living near burned areas means you have an increased risk of flooding until vegetation is restored — about five years after a wildfire. Learn about your flood-after-fire risk and how flood insurance can help protect the life you've built.

You can explore the digital branch of Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) 24/7. With a JCPL library card, you can access thousands of e-books, audiobooks, shows, and more from the comfort of your home or wherever else life happens to take you.

Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) is excited to announce its "Bid for a Brighter Future: Online Auction Fundraiser", beginning Sept. 1. There is still time to donate auction items. Email Roxanne to donate by Aug. 30. Every bid helps create positive change in our community, supporting families on their journey to achieving hopes and dreams.

On Tuesday, July 31, the Quarry Fire was first discovered in Jefferson County. The response and efforts by multiple agencies were not only impressive but a testament to teamwork and collaboration. I want to extend a personal thank you to all the firefighters, law enforcement personnel, both our communications and fairgrounds employees, as well as all of the volunteers for their long hours and dedication to keeping our community safe and informed.

As a nation, we have a wildfire crisis on our hands. It is no secret that we no longer have a “fire season.” Climate change is driving the devastating intersection of extreme heat, drought, and wildland fire danger across the United States, creating wildfires that move with a speed and intensity previously unseen. Read the full article.

Your bread is stale, the milk is a breath away from going bad. What now? Many of us toss it, dump it down the sink, and think nothing of it when we replace it. Changing that mentality can help rid us of food waste. Tear up that bread to freeze for instant croutons, or blast it in the blender for breadcrumbs that you can add to salads or pasta. Learn to reframe your “waste” and get more sustainability tips.

The Child Support Services Program works with parents and caretakers to ensure all Colorado kids get the financial support they need to thrive. This August, apply for child support, get help with your case, make or receive a payment, and learn more about the ways Child Support Services can help you.

Did you know that Jefferson County Public Library has book club kits that include up to 10 copies of a popular book and a guide to facilitate discussion? The kits check out for six weeks and can be placed on hold through the website or mobile app. To find what titles are available, just search for “book club kits” in our catalog.

Yellow toadflax is a perennial that spreads by seed and extensive spreading underground roots. Large colonies can be found in disturbed areas, meadows, pastures, and rights-of-way.

Hand hand-pulling yellow toadflax is not recommended because the fragmented roots will resprout. Treating in the late summer and fall with herbicide will give the best results. Visit www.jeffco.us/jcism for more information.

Did you know that by connecting with your teens, you support their mental health and help them choose not to use substances like tobacco, vape, or drugs? Jefferson County Public Health is joining Forward Together to help adults level up their relationships with teens and Connect More.

Watch a tractor pull, bring the kids for fun activities, enjoy historic demonstrations and a variety of exhibitors at Cider Days at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park on Oct. 5-6. Celebrate Lakewood’s agricultural heritage with an entertaining mix of live performances, activities, and tasty treats – it’s fun for all ages. Learn more and buy tickets.

The West Metro Chamber's tournament for non-golfers returns for its second year on Sept. 19 at Putter’s Pride Mini Golf. The Putt'er There Par-Tee kicks off our golf festivities in September. Designed as a fun, family-friendly mini golf party (par-tee, get it?!), it is the perfect place to practice your putting skills for the tournament or join in a little friendly competition with your work colleagues.

This year, Jeffco Public Schools will celebrate Warren Tech's 50th anniversary and Superintendent Dorland's fifth year. We proudly serve 69,000 students, recognizing each by name, strength, and need. Efforts include providing five million nutritious meals and safely transporting students three million miles each year. Learn about the Jeffco Thrives Strategic Plan.

The City of Wheat Ridge has been awarded more than $1.6 million in grant funds for the construction of the new Green at 38th park. The community is invited to the project kickoff event on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. at the new parking lot south of Stevens Elementary School at 38th Ave. and Upham St. 

The popular Trail Running Series in Bear Creek Lake Park takes place weekly beginning Sept. 4. Different routes allow participants to explore all areas of the park. Racers can compete against others on Wednesday evenings or run the marked course on their own Tuesday through Wednesday each week. Search the keyword “trail” to register.

Hope;ink serves as a meaningful extension of the broader worldwide initiative, providing a local platform for individuals to "ink" their story, unite in solidarity, and express themselves through the semicolon symbol. Register now for the Hope;ink Suicide Awareness Semicolon Tattoo Event on Sept. 7. Join Jefferson Center to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention.

Start the school year with a smile and join us for an adult trip to the Rockies baseball game on Aug. 18 while your kiddos are in school. Get the family together for a morning of fun at our Puzzle Hustle on Aug. 17, and don't forget to register your student for our Non-Contact Day Camps throughout the district on Friday, Sept. 20. To register for leagues, camps, and activities, please visit ApexPRD.org.

Come watch "The Garfield Movie (2004)" under the stars at Anderson Park on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 6-9:30 p.m. (showtime at dusk, approximately 7:45 p.m.). Enjoy complimentary popcorn and water, along with door prizes and activities for all ages. Families are also encouraged to bring their own refreshments.

Celebrating the fun of fitness for all ages, Family Health and Fitness Day will be held on Sept. 14 at O’Kane Park, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special day promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy and active. Activities include sports and fitness demos, a color run, local vendors, and more.

Foothills Park & Recreation District is hiring childcare workers in Lakewood and Littleton for the upcoming school year. Positions are available at Devinny and Hutchinson elementary schools in Lakewood, as well as at several South Jeffco elementary schools, along with preschool positions at Lilley Gulch and Ridge Recreation Centers.

CASA is thrilled to host the first annual Putt Fore CASA minigolf fundraising event at Putter’s Pride on Sept. 26 from 4-8 p.m. This event will offer an exciting and memorable experience for participants of all ages. If you can hold a club, you can putt. Join us for a fun-filled evening of mini golf, delicious barbecue, and great music, all while supporting a wonderful cause.

Take a ride down the track on the beautifully restored interurban Car No. 25 on Saturday, Sept. 14, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Hop aboard while conductors in vintage uniforms usher you back in time during this event that is only offered once per year. Please bring a government-issued ID to enter the Federal Center.

In the spirit of the Ryder Cup, the West Metro Chamber will host the inaugural Jeffco Cup on Sept. 27 at Foothills Golf Course. Competing teams claim the city/area where they live or work and compete to crown their community the Jeffco Cup champion. Whether it's Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Westy, Wheat Ridge, or unincorporated Jeffco, the aggregated scores will determine the Jeffco Cup winner.